Restaurants in Hato Rey (San Juan)

Johnny's

Elegant atmosphere and delicious dishes go hand-in-hand here. Service is very attentive in this very popular spot. Puerto Rican-international specialties are on the highlights. Try the langosta rellena a Los Santos (stuffed lobster), or the paella Marinera. The veal chop is served in a huge portion and is definitely one of the best selections of the house. There is also a full bar on premise. The décor has dark tones, lending itself to quiet conversations. Patrons are mostly mature professionals and families. Located in Hato Rey, Johnnie's is popular with the business crowd at lunch time. Book early for dinner on the weekends.

Coaches

On Roosevelt Avenue, this hip sports bar and restaurant is located right off the Hato Rey business district and caters mainly to young professionals. Coaches serves up a blend of American and Puerto Rican fare including pasta, baby-back ribs, several delicious appetizers and some very decadent desserts. The restaurant features cable TV monitors situated throughout the bar so fans can catch all types of international sporting events.

Diego's Cantina

When you are in Hato Rey, make a point of stopping into this unique little cantina bar, right in the heart of the metropolitan area. If one has a craving for a tequila shot or a classic margarita, this is the place to sample the best. Diego's is the 'watering hole' companion of Frida's Mexican Restaurant. All kinds of Mexican and/or Puerto Rican beverages are served here. After enjoying a nice meal at Frida's, this cantina is a great spot for after dinner cocktails.

Al Salam

Located in Hato Rey, this fun Arabian themed restaurant provides a festive ambiance, including tables covered by Arabian-style tents. Entertainment in the form of belly dancers appears on weekend nights. Among its bests offering is the thick hummus served with fried meat. Lamb with Arabian complements is one of the specialties. The ladyfingers pastry is an excellent way to cap off a meal at this Middle Eastern eatery.

Yuan

Located in the heart of Hato Rey, this sophisticated traditional Chinese eatery offers an excellent Peking Duck and emphasizes seafood cooked in the Oriental way. The service is excellent, the portions are large and the restaurant is generally a fair value. Very popular with the Hato Rey business crowd and the décor is discreet but formal.

Yum Yum Tree

The restaurant is within walking distance from the Hato Rey financial district. Yum Yum Tree caters to businessmen at lunch and couples at night. Service is excellent and the restaurant offers a great value for the quality of its food. This excellent and elegant Chinese restaurant specializes in Mandarin creations such as Orange-flavored Chicken with Cashews.

El Zipperle

A Puerto Rican tradition for excellence in both Spanish and German cuisine, El Zipperle in Hato Rey offers superb service combined with an atmosphere of formal elegance. This restaurant caters to business clientele, while also offering banquet facilities for special functions, as there are several rooms available. Specialties include Spanish paella 'valenciana' and the delicious German concoction of Wiener Schnitzel. The restaurant's ads claim that this is where you'll encounter the finest wine list in all of Puerto Rico. White tablecloth formality adds to the dining experience. Don't forget dessert!

Deli Restaurant Argentino

This Argentinean eatery is a standout and considered among the top of its class in Puerto Rico. With dishes like Parrillada and Churrasco, this restaurant offers an distinguished variety for its patrons. As an appetizer, try the Argentinean Turnovers or the Cream of Asparagus. Don't forget the dulce de leche crepas for dessert. The interiors are upscale, contrary to what its name implies; and located in the Hato Rey district it is frequented by business types.

Frida's Mexican Restaurant

Located in Hato Rey, Frida's is an intimate upscale Mexican eatery whose name is inspired by the late Mexican painter Frida Khalo. The menu offers elaborate dishes featuring shrimp and unique ingredients not usually found in traditional Mexican cuisine, but elaborate Mexican specialties are also standard fare here. The atmosphere is very elegant and elaborate. Outside, the facade is bright pink. Inside, the walls are a vibrant apricot, tablecloths are electric blue and place mats are shocking pink. A pair of framed self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's most prolific artists, will greet you in the restaurant foyer.

Tierra Santa

This excellent Middle Eastern restaurant features the classics, Arabian and Lebanese specialties in an exquisite atmosphere. As usual in Middle Eastern restaurants, Tierra Santa offers belly dancers on the weekends, and the clientele is comprised mostly of local families who simply love the charming Arabic ambiance and appreciate the restaurant's outstanding service. But business men from the Hato Rey financial district can be found frequenting it at lunch time. Several lamb dishes are the specialty of the house and the hummus is a must.

Garibaldi Ristorante Italiano

This Italian restaurant serves great dishes in a neighborhood atmosphere. Patrons regard Garibaldi's intimate dining room as one of its best assets. Owner cum chef Carmine Castiglia prepares classic Italian cuisine, with specialties such as Papardelle. The veal dishes are excellent and Linguine al Frutti di Mare is regarded as one of the house's best. Try some excellent homemade desserts, too. The wine list is predominately Italian. This ristorante is tastefully decorated but nothing special. Located in the Hato Rey district, it is frequented by the local business community during lunch. However,in the evenings the clientele shifts to families and visitors.

Los Chavales

This well-situated fine dining restaurant is found in the stylish Hato Rey financial district and is known for its excellent service and its highly elaborate classic décor. Being in the heart of moneyville, it is very popular with the business crowd. Spanish-International cuisine is the mainstay, and the specialties that are made to order include paellas, rack of lamb, and Chateaubriand. Desserts include mouth-watering baked alaska and several types of ice creams.